Best bike handlebars according to redditors
We found 300 Reddit comments discussing the best bike handlebars. We ranked the 149 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 300 Reddit comments discussing the best bike handlebars. We ranked the 149 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
My husband bought and used these. They fit well and worked for him
Bar mitts beat any gloves you're gonna get.
I bought these last winter and they were toasty af and still let me have some dexterity.
In these
If you want an inexpensive alternative, you could try putting some different bar ends on your handlebars to give you some different riding positions.
Here's some that mimic the drop-bar style, and would probably give you a good idea if that style would be right for you.
Hello! This is my second year bike commuting and I love it! The coldest days of the year in Baltimore look around -15C so it shouldn't be too bad! Things I use/suggest are the following
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For you:
Bike helmet cover, something like this to keep in the warmth, but doesnt get too hot
Pair of ski goggles
Gloves
Buff
A pair of cycling only outdoor pants to wear as 'ski pants' over your regular pants like these
Wool socks (Costco has great merino wool ones)
​
For the bike:
Fenders
A nice set of lights like these
Bar mitts like these
​
And just make sure you keep up with cleaning the salt and grime off your bike!
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Good luck!
http://www.amazon.com/Origin-Bicycle-Drop-Ends-Black/dp/B0013G6PB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370531491&sr=8-1&keywords=drop+bar+ends
I used these while I was trying to put drops on flats. I eventually just ended up putting actual drop bars on, but these work rather well and are very comfortable.
I agree with all of that.
I would just add that bar ends are an economical option for adding more hand placement options to an MTB, without having to swap handlebars/shifters/brake levers.
Most people would opt for a standard bar ends to give you that on-the-hoods/bullhorn hand position. Add a cheap set of foam grips, and install these angled up so that your wrist is straight when riding.
If you want the feel of riding down in the drops, then there are also drop bar ends available. These will require grip tape, and should be installed flat or angled very slightly up.
Origin 8 makes drop bar ends, kinda like traditional MTB bar ends.
Nothing special https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KS3RFQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Wz9EDbA8M1QJY
I am planning on a 20 mile ride ride and my hands were looking for another place to be so for 15.00 bucks, this really fits the bill.
Origin 8 makes clip-on drop bar ends that might suit your needs without having to mess with your shifters or brakes.- and they're only $15.
So /r/bikewrench and /r/bicycling are much more active sub-reddits that you may see more attention on, but I can try to help you out here.
Switching the bars could require a few things:
Stem Size and by extension handlebar size: the Escape has a stem made for 31.8mm diameter handlebars with pretty large bars actually. Most drop bars you find will be 25.4mm at the stem and 23.8mm everywhere else. Any discrepancy can be an easy fix with some shims (either bought or made). It is also possible (according to Sheldon Brown) that your current bars may have very similar sizing to standard drop bars. The stem may also need to be shortened or lengthened to comfortably accommodate for the new handlebars and riding positions.
Braking: As you may or may not have noticed most drop bars come with brake levers that allow you to access the levers while riding on the drops. This is important because it allows you more leverage at the moments when you are going the fastest. Check out this image stolen from 'Lovley Bike' that shows the typical 'breaking on the drops' position.
While it is not necessary to have these brakes and the 'hoods' that accompany them it is an excellent idea and gives more hand positions! Alternatively it is possible to use levers only on the flats of the drop bars (but not the ones you currently have may need the aforementioned shims).
Shifting!
I see the Escape has Shimano M310 trigger shifters. Those also may have to go. They, like the brakes, can be mounted on the flats of the bar but it is only very low end bikes that do this to their riders. There are an ungodly number of ways to incorporate shifting on a bike with drop bars. You can integrate them into the brakes with STI's, stick them on the end of the bars with Bar End Shifters, Get them onto the stem like many vintage bikes Stem Shifters or get them on the down-tube for a classic look Down Tube Shifters...
That aside the only real options up there that you have for a conversion are Bar-end or "Brifters" Brake/Shifters...reusing your old ones could work but it would be inelegant.
Geometry MOST IMPORTANTLY! Your bike was designed to be ridden upright, the stem, top tube, every inch of the bike assumes the rider is using flat bars. There is no telling really what the ride will 'feel' like after you start riding on the hoods/drops. Its not as bad as most hybrids with front suspension but I could not tell you anything about how it might feel once the swap is made.
For moving forward I see a few options
Option 1 Quick and Dirty Get some drop bars and some old cans. Strip your current bars of components and install the drops(don't forget shims), If sheldon is correct about the size of over-sized road bikes all your old components should slide onto the flat part of the drops and just fit. It would be a unique way to ride but mostly functional...Personally I would have concerns about how safe it would be.
Option 2 More hand positions!
If what you want is more hand positions don't overlook bar end attachments:
Bar end attachments
Orgin 8 might actually have the answer to your prayers: Bolt On Drops
Option 3 Dress her like a roadie
Trying to make your hybrid into a road bike is usually not the right way to go but...with $10-30 for bars, and $100 for Shifters and Brakes, plus $10-20 for complete re-cabling across the bike (MTB and Road bikes use different cable ends) and of course labor if you aren't that handy. Tack on $10 for bar-tape to make her pretty and comfortable and you aren't that far in the hole.
You don't get off any easier for Bar Ends once you get the appropriate brakes its about the same. All that and your former hybrid could pass any scrutinizing test of a lycra-clad cyclist, you'd have yourself a certified road-bike. No promises on comfort!
This is just a vague indication though! For a real in-depth price assessment and Q&A please visit your local bike store
For my $00.02...Don't bother trying to convert them. Ride the bike you have the way it was intended to be ridden. If after a while you still feel like its lacking, throw on some bar ends for more hand positions, Still feel like its lacking? Go test-ride some road bikes to see if riding on the drops is right for you. I'm not talking about a test ride around the parking lot either! No less then 3 miles on that sucker, get a real feel for it. Love it!? Sell the Escape and do a TON of research into inexpensive road bikes. They are out there waiting for ya.
Bar Mitts
The seat is a bit above the handle-bars. I had my bike professionally fit, and that's where I should set for "efficiency". (I don't care so much about that at this point)
The problem that I may have discovered - Right before the 50 mile test ride I added a seat cushion which added about 5 inches of height (maybe less when I sit on it). So that's probably why there's pain after the 50 mile ride.
So simple fixes:
Would a set of Triathlon bars help?
Putting on actual drop bars would get expensive, you'd need new shifters and brake levers (if the bike has hydraulic brakes you can forget about it). Not to mention, MTB geometry really isn't set up for drops.
You could however add something like Origin 8 drop ends
Best option would be skinnier more road like tires like Schwalbe Marathons or similar, and a rigid fork to help reduce weight up front. Then it would be a halfway decent flat bar bike.
Before you go "all in" and spend silly money to do this conversion, why don't you try something like "clamp on drops", or possibly some of the more radical "trekking bars"?
I think even after you spend all that money to convert this upright bike to drops, you'll ultimately be disappointed in the result. It just doesn't have the geometries that make your CX bike "fun".
I have these and really love them, though make sure you get the screws good and tight; during my first race, one side actually started loosening up and I had to tighten it while riding. Now that I have them properly set they haven't moved since, after several hundred miles.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0013G6PB8
20 bucks, plus you'll want some bar tape.
If you want to brake and shift from the drops, at least 300 more and it'll still suck.
Edit: Also consider clip-on aero bars. You can't brake from those anyway. Otherwise if you want a road bike with drops, sell the one you have (or not - n+1 and all that) and get a caad10 ;)
I guess you are talking about standard clip-on aero bars?
http://www.amazon.ca/Tec9-Triathlon-Aero-Time-Trial/dp/B0055T6GVI
I bought these at the beginning of the summer and I like them a lot. They are my first aero bars so I can't really compare with others but they're doing a good job and they're by far the cheapest I've seen.
the thumb shifter won't work on drops. flat bar clamp section is 22.2mm, drop bar clamp section is 23.8
You can make it work with the sora STI shifter you listed, the cheaper alternative is the microshift stuff you can buy on ebay (I'd go with second hand shimano stuff though)
Then you'd need new cables
Of course the easier option is to just get bar ends, you can even get drop bar bar ends
I have (nearly) the same bike as you (7.4 Firebrand) and ride mine for the same purposes. Lately I've been training for a charity ride and got a pair of these for cheap on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-33617-Drop-Ends/dp/B0013G6PB8
The only rub is that you have to also buy adapters for the IsoZone grips so the drop bar ends will fit (~$5). I also got some cork tape from the same company for relatively cheap, altogether making it much cheaper than buying whole new handlebars and shifters.
Also, if you're getting into more fitness riding/training, I couldn't recommend clipless pedals and MTB shoes enough. They've helped with my rides tremendously!
You could get bar end drops instead of changing out your handlebars completely.
This is what I suggest to people when they ask this question. Doing a true drop bar conversion will likely be too expensive to be practical. You had might as well either get some bar-ends like these or just save up for a different bike.
If you want it center mounted, maybe this will work for you.
Gub KBROTECH 31.8MM Double Clamp Carbon Fiber Super Long Bike Bicycle Handlebar Extender Extension Light Lamp Phone Mount Bracket Stand Holder Space Saver
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VW7GXM4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6EiEDbY7Z4393
I'm in Pittsburgh, which has less snow, but plenty of cold. For that part, it's a matter of finding the right combination of layers for your cold needs and covering exposed skin. I wear generic-brand buffs over my ears and face, and then good windproof gloves under a set of barmitts. And then I have a commute with plenty of hills to help me warm up. When everything is right, I've been pretty comfortable riding down to about 0-5F.
Falling snow isn't so much of an issue except that I will add clear goggles, otherwise going downhill will involve thousands of little pieces of ice jabbing into your eyes, which sucks. Fresh snow on the ground, up to an inch or so, is usually fine, but will make pedaling a little harder. Packed snow will make it much harder, but doesn't really hurt traction much so it's usually ok, until you find ice.
Ice on the ground is more challenging, and occasionally will make me sit a day out. However, my rule of thumb is that if the streets are plowed enough for cars to drive, then they are clear enough for me to ride, and that's the case way more frequently than not (in my city). If there is too much ice for that, then I don't trust ANYBODY out there and I'd rather walk/bus/stay home. Other options to deal with ice include getting studded tires or something with bigger tires (I have friends who commute on fatbike in the winter).
The final issue is that winter weather will play havoc on your bike's moving parts. You'll want to get it cleaned and lubed WAY more frequently than in the summer, especially if you get snow/ice on your chain.
What kind of extender are you talking about? An accessory bar like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VW7GXM4?psc=1 ?
If so I think that would work fine. You would want something to keep it from swinging fore and aft. I am familiar with the revelate handlebar bag and it also has a strap to go around the steerer tube for that purpose.
Just stuff some stuff in a dry bag and strap it on, then see what needs to change!
there's always this option too. $500 vs $20, can't hurt to try.
Hell yeah! I picked up the same bike a few months back when it was 4 days old in the shop. Awesome bike and the new Sora groupset is fantastic. The front derailleur has a little bit of a "cliff" to overcome for shifting up, but with some fine tuning you won't notice it unless you ride on another groupset.
I had the same soreness in my hands as well. I recommend new bar tape; the stock tape is hard as a brick and its a cheap upgrade. Depending on the phone you have (I personally have an iPhone) I highly recommend a phone mount designed to lock in. Do not* get a "general" mount. I broke my phone three times when I was sure it was secured in one of those. I personally use the Topeak Ridecase mount. Its secured to my stem and locks into the mount.
Some other first upgrades I highly recommend:
Its an awesome bike and I have loved every second of it. To see the chain so shiny and clean makes me tear up a little bit.
Trying out Bar Mitts to keep my hands warm - https://www.amazon.com/ODIER-Handlebar-Cyclist-Mittens-Bar-Straight/dp/B077SY7J6F/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=bar+mitts&psc=1&qid=1572883108&sr=8-7
Worked pretty well to stop the wind chill.
I would look into things like barmits
Good set of safety lights
Face masks, wind breakers, bike rack and panniers.
Get anything that will make riding in any weather or condition comfortable.
Patch kit, tools, or spare tubes always good to have extra.
You will need new brakes as well because the Tourney brifters won't pull V-Brakes enough for them to stop. I personally don't recommend that he go this route.
The better route might be:
You may not be able to shift from the hood or drops, but you'll have more hand positions.
Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VW7GXM4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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A little pricier than I remember TBH
These might be Origin8 Drop Ends from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013G6PB8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I installed these on my raleigh cadent 1 hybrid and it's great! Offers similar feel to standard drop handlebars without the hassle of actually converting.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077SY7J6F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I absolutely love them. I put off ordering BarMitts for so long because they are so expensive, but I found these and they are much more reasonably priced. They do a great job of keeping my hands warm. This morning it was 43F and I was wearing my lightest gloves and my hands were fine.
It is still pretty easy to shift, but you have to do it totally by feel because you can't see what you are doing (obviously). That said my commute is pretty flat, and with the electric assist, I don't change gears very often, so YMMV.
Nice bike... looks light compared to my winter tank! I think you'll enjoy this bike.
My Fatbike tip is once it's below -20C, get some bar mitts like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F9ZQH4/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bicycling0d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009F9ZQH4&ascsubtag=%5BASIN%7CB009F9ZQH4%5Bnid%7C2246911%5Bvid%7C2424011%5Bbrand%7CBKE%5Butm%7C
I'm in Boston too and yeah, the wind can get fierce. I LOVE my aerobars - they definitely take a load off my wrists and reduce my drag. That being said, they do impede your ability to brake so I'd only use them in places where you aren't around traffic. I have these (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004S43UYC/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_cA4HybQB7ZE0R) on my bike and they were a simple 15 minute addition. You mention you're on a trail for a part of your commute - which one? Minuteman? Charles River?
Another option is fit a flat bar and install some drop bar ends
The only downside is there is no braking from the drops.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Venzo-Road-Bicycle-Bike-Adapter-Handlebar-Flat-Bar-to-Drop-Bar-Ends/162916437340?hash=item25ee938d5c:g:I4wAAOSwepNdJlz3
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/handlebars/jtek-superlight-drop-bar-bar-ends-black/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Origin-33617-Origin8-Drop-Ends/dp/B0013G6PB8
You can get auxiliary bars that mount out in front of your bars that you can mount additional accessories to. That's just kicking the can down the road, but there are some that solve your problem.
Some, like this one mount with two clamps, one on either side of the stem. So it can't slide in either direction!
Some mount to the stem (clamp on, or on with face plate bolts (velo orange makes one) ) or on the steerer with a special spacer.
Sorry for my noobness, but are you talking about something like this? I have the same issue as Schmackelnuts, and don't have the money for a new bike right now, so I'd like to make my hybrid more comfortable.
I had the same question a few years back and the general response was that it was too expensive to do since it would require new brake levers, cables, etc. I now have a proper road bike in addition to my hybrid but in the interim, I installed some bar-ends. They are excellent at adding an addition 1 or 2 hand positions which both will alleviate stress in hands/wrists and give you more leverage in climbs. These are the ones I have on my hybrid.
http://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-Boxer-Bar-Black/dp/B001KS3RFQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408539699&sr=8-2&keywords=bar+ends
Good luck!
i dont really ride in the winter, but ive heard these bad boys are pretty effective
Do you have a pic of your stroller? Hard to understand why the bike handlebar extensions didn’t work.
Edit: thinking you may have one of those continuous hand bar jobbies on the stroller.
Try something like this that will open all the way up. You could also then add the ones you currently have.
do you mean aerobars like these?
I commute by bike through the winter this will be the 4 year. My ride is short, only 2 miles.
These are awesome, https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Bar-Mitts-Small-Medium/dp/B009F9ZQH4/
when it gets real cold you can put a pair of light weight gloves on under them. But above ~15 F the bar mitts are enough.
Because I have such a short ride I haven't had to worry about venting much but I've taken a few longer winter rides and have had to remove layers. This year I'm thinking of getting better gear. I went the cheep route on rain gear and I don't really love it... but it works.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006IOMOZQ
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006IOMAL4
The jacket is fine but doesn't have pockets. The pants cut to large for cycling. I also have decided that I really don't like the black for visibility reasons. They do keep me dry.
I've been using a pair of safety glasses from lowes as a windscreen. They work fine, gets foggy sometimes.
I need a better solution for my feet.
I don't have showers at work and it's nice to not have to change and carry extra stuff.
When it gets real cold keeping my face from being exposed has been an issue.
I've used a balaclava and a scarf on top of that.
I have had ski goggles fog up.
Thanks for your post got me thinking about it all again. I really need to buys some better gear this year.
Keep your feet dry.
If you have a flat bar then getting some bar ends like this can make those uphill climbs a lot better
This get's brought up all the time and I've done extensive research on the topic when I had a Sirrus that wasn't getting the job done anymore. Yeah...don't do this. It's physically feasible but not advised for a bunch of reasons. In terms of your hands going numb, you need a fit. I'm guessing your arms are totally locked out when you're riding leading to the numbness. You'll get more out of the bike from a proper fit than you would trying to convert it to drop bars.
If you really want to keep your bike and not go full drop bars, grab bar ends like these and retape your bars. You won't have access to your brakes from the drops which is obviously a very huge downside of this plan so be careful if you do.
I use this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6E4YBU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6rjtzb8PAXT4X you can see pictures a couple of posts down. I put it against my handle bars and and it seems to work well. It holds a Finn phone holder and a torch holder. I have a battery holder on the main bar that is only used when I need it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AFLMJYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6QoQBbB6P7K14
Something like this will give you all of the adjustability that you need at a decent price
Profile Design Boxer Bar End (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KS3RFQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1.Bpyb9TJ8ZBK
That does not look bad, but if you're going to be doing triathlon, I'd highly recommend getting some aero bars. These look like a good value. Also, I believe that craigslist usually presents a slightly better value than bikesdirect. Either way, I'd be a very large improvement compared to your current bike.
If you can slip something on the existing bars these might work for you:
Origin8 Drop Ends https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013G6PB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KvgSDbG502Q1F
Haha yep! Origin8 makes em. http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-33617-Drop-Ends/dp/B0013G6PB8
If you can swing the expense, you won't regret these Bar Mitts.
I use some nice thick bar tape like Nashbars Get a Grip tape along with some Century gel pads underneath them. The result is nice and cushy and very thick. Most important thing is the gel pads underneath and to double wrap/only half overlap the tape using the entire roll.
For the lazy.
http://www.amazon.com/Origin-Bicycle-Drop-Ends-Black/dp/B0013G6PB8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1342743214&sr=8-3&keywords=bike+bar+ends
With old style bars like those the typical setup is with the flat section of the drops pointing approximately at the rear brake boss, it looks like you are pretty close to that, and the brake lever position is pretty standard for that type of bar. It is common to find the older style of bar more uncomfortable compared to the modern style where it's easier to ride on the hoods.
Modern compact style bars almost are almost all 31.8mm diameter at the clamp, where as your bike will be 26mm or 25.4mm.
If your bike has 25.4mm diameter bars, your best bet is probably these bars. They aren't exactly modern compact bend but they should give similar comfort benefits and ability to ride easily on the hoods.
If they are 26mm, these bars are probably your best bet.
You could convert the bike to 31.8mm to have more choice of bars but you would need at the least a new stem as well.
You shouldn't need to replace your brake levers - apart from the central section where the stem clamps, road bars are almost all a standard diameter of 23.4mm.
You can see an example of bar ends here. You can buy them all over Amazon, but I'd recommend checking the bike shop and see what they say about what will work.
[Profile-Design-Boxer-Bar-Black](
http://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-Boxer-Bar-Black/dp/B001KS3RFQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381597001&sr=8-1&keywords=bar+ends)
[Origin8-Pulsion-Compe-Lite-Bar-Ends](
http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Pulsion-Compe-Lite-Bar-Ends/dp/B002I7PRUQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381597001&sr=8-2&keywords=bar+ends)
They are just great for multiple hand positions. Found that riding on flat handle bars, you just don't get the options like you do with a road bike. Added some to the FX, no more numb hands. :)
I bought my FX about this time too just in time for winter. It was a blast, I think you're going to have fun.
I found these! But they have been noted to be uncomfortable and small on a 7.3 fx.
+1 to everything everyone else has been saying, and also something which I haven't seen mentioned yet:
Some people prefer gel pads in their gloves, other prefer the gel on the handlebars under the wraps, for example this.
Personally I have a JakeTheSnake which I ride with gel gloves, and a pure road bike (custom build) with gel on the bars. For long rides (100km+) I find the bar gel to be more comfortable and provide better numbness relief. I've done similar distances on the Jake, but my posture is a bit different on that and bar gel there does nothing for me.
So anyhoo just be aware of that option, some people find it helpful.
Because your shifters won't likely be compatible. I've asked the same thing before.
These are in my wish list but I don't know how good they are, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0013G6PB8/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_2?colid=39RF70MNEX2EY&coliid=I3G3NKESNEV642
Butt you might want to look into buying a road bike. You can get a low end bike starting at 600.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B077SY7J6F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I added a handle bar extender so I could mount 4 headlights. https://www.amazon.com/KBROTECH-Bicycle-Handlebar-Extender-Extension/dp/B06VW7GXM4/ My Bionx battery has a port for a 2000 lumen headlight when riding in places without a street light.
For the back I added three taillights, two with lasers. https://www.amazon.com/YJYdada-Bicycle-Projection-Safety-Warning/dp/B074752G5W/
https://www.amazon.com/ThorFire-220-Degree-Intensity-Bicycle-Install/dp/B06XXFX1KL
https://www.amazon.com/ThorFire-Rechargeable-Bicycle-Intensity-Flashlight/dp/B073W9SLRC
I then added spoke lighting for side visibility. https://www.amazon.com/LED-Bike-Spoke-Lights-Waterproof/dp/B074359W73
Love Brightz for frame lighting and ground effects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrhhh1mZzbA
Just waiting for temperatures to warm up so I can ride after work.
Found this on sale last week. I plan to zip tie it to the back. https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Roadside-Magnetic-Motorcycles-TechFloMo/dp/B0785DRQTL/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt3it7cQ5rE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vtCj9JO4FM
I have received many compliments by cyclists, pedestrians and car drivers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX_IzrUBVRw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDWP9DOkiik
If I got those, I think I would send them back if I could. The longer bars from Profile Design or TeC9 are pretty comfortable and reasonably priced. I have the Profile Design and my wife has the Tec9. I really prefer the Tec9 for adjustability and comfort.
How about this one? But the brakes will still be on the straight handlebar.
>I use the Topeak Ridecase stem cap mount system for my phone.. However I want to use it on my motorcycle handle bar as well. Do they make an adapter that can go around large handlebars to create something like a stem cap to mount stuff to? Topeak makes one for bicycle handle bars but it is too small for motorcycle handle bars. I would think they would make a universal mount adapter but maybe not. Thank you so much in advance!
I pasted your text because it scrolling a long ways across in the header. You're saying this band won't fit around the diameter of your motorcycle handlebars?
Seeing as the lion's share of a bicyclist's effort goes into overcoming aerodynamic drag, "reasonably fast", and "upright posture" aren't especially compatible. You can have both if you add a motor, or perhaps a fairing, but in either case you can upgrade reasonably fast into unreasonably fast by getting low.
Also maybe try a recumbent. Some find that leaning back is a more comfortable way to achieve low frontal area than leaning forward.
Edit: you may be able to kludge on some bar extensions to make the hunched position more comfortable.
If you find an older road bike (like 80s or 70s) bar, the diameter will work with your shifters/brakes.
These may be helpful, but are not an equivalent for drops.
I'd ride it as is though.
Yeah bar diameter kinda sucks I think you can probably fit some extensions to it though? You'll at least be able to get into them for sprints and stuff I suppose but I'd miss riding on the hoods...
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These. Support your local bike shop though.
Yeah, I'm super natural on them, I jump over stuff with them, sprint uphill, etc. Sprinting on aero bars allows me to raise my torso like I normally would sprinting upright, but still keep my head out of the wind.
http://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-T3-Aero-Bar/dp/B004S43UYC
I have risers, love rapid fire shifters, but like the feel of drops at times and thought about these
So here's what I would do. Slide in your controls and grips to where you think they would be comfy. Ride it without touching the part of the bars you think you won't use. Cut the bars there if you're satisfied. If you really want drop bars for some reason, stick these on there after you chop the bars. https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-33617-Drop-Ends/dp/B0013G6PB8:
ive asked this question before, basicly best answer was bar end drops. like these: https://smile.amazon.com/Origin8-33617-Drop-Ends/dp/B0013G6PB8?sa-no-redirect=1
as far as fit, if your legs are long enough that you can pedal a size larger fine then you may be able to get away with just changing the stem, which isn't too expensive or difficult.
a shorter steeper stem will get the bars closer to you and higher which will focus less of your weight on your hands.
I had a Giant Escape. You can either sell the bike and buy a road bike on Craigslist (what I did), or buy these:
http://www.amazon.com/Origin-Bicycle-Drop-Ends-Black/dp/B0013G6PB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409073242&sr=8-1&keywords=drop+bar+ends
Putting proper drops on is just too expensive.
For a while I just used my phone. I used the free version of endomondo with this bike mount. It gives fair estimate for speed, but only if you keep a consistent pace.
I had an actual wired computer at one point but lost it when someone broke into my garage and made off with my commuter. It was so long ago that I can't really remember what it was.
I just upgraded a few months ago and added the Topeak Cadence and Speed sensor. I'm very happy with it. For a wireless computer it works very well. Syncs everything to my phone and is extremely accurate. As far as I've been able to figure out, you can only sync data to Strava or their customer app. But for the most part I log all my rides with Endomondo in the background and monitor my speed/cadence/whatever with the topeak app.
See what I wrote above. It's just impractical to convert. If you want to have the hand positions, buy a bar ends and be done with it.
One example -
https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-33617-Drop-Ends/dp/B0013G6PB8/
I'd like to put a shallow drop bar on my 2014 Bianchi Pista and more comfortable brake hoods. Will this combo https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U9ROKC/ref=pd_sim_468_8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=F1X4QSZ08MYR2RW219MJ of brake levers work with https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Pro-Fit-Compact-Handlebars/dp/B00SYZTLVW handlebars? If so, can I use existing brake cables or will I need to replace the cables as well?
They’re drop bar attachments I added to my flat bar
Edit: https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-33617-Drop-Ends/dp/B0013G6PB8
What is it about drops that you want? If it's a more aggressive riding position then yes go with a road bike. But do know those slimmer tires will not be as forgiving over bumps as something with a bit more volume.
If its just that you want more hand positions for the ride there are a whole variety of bar ends that you can add for little expense. Some of these will stretch you out more, some will just reorient your hands, and these mimic drop bars.
Plus v-brakes are probably the best rim brakes for a commuter (powerful, easy to run fenders, etc etc.)
The bracket came with a Taiwanese light kit but is basically half of one of these with the carbon tube cut shorter.
My favorite addition:
https://www.amazon.com/ODIER-Handlebar-Cyclist-Mittens-Bar-Straight/dp/B077SY7J6F/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=bar+mitts&qid=1569006208&sr=8-5
Cheap and effective.
I use them and I love them. They're about the same size as my drop bars, dunno the exact measurements unfortunately.
https://www.amazon.com/Cinelli-Bullhorn-Pursuit-Bicycle-Handlebar/dp/B0084XI55W
https://www.ebay.com/bhp/cinelli-mash-bullhorn
Or you can try these clamp on drop bars Origin8 Drop Ends https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013G6PB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MFH5CbJ121487
> https://www.amazon.com/Gub-KBROTECH-Handlebar-Extender-Extension/dp/B06VW7GXM4
Thanks u/What_a_rubbish_user but that amazon dealie won't work either. The part where you'd try and clamp it to the aero bars is a weird aero / non-standard handlebar shape.
Amazon cheaply bar, nothing special. I just ordered their bullhorn bar too. I wanna try everything haha.
UPANBIKE Fixed Gear Bike Road... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0734Y1MWP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
25.4mm version to fit mtb components.
As someone who bike commuted in Wisconsin year round let my frost bitten dead nerved knuckles and fingers tell you that you should ask for Pogies this holiday season.
Something like these: http://www.amazon.com/Bar-Mitts-Mountain-Black-Large/dp/B009F9ZQH4
WITH gloves on under them. Windchill when you bike around in tempueratures already below zero is no effin joke as you should know being in the UP.
Okay, so with $200, assuming I was doing the work:
Wrap handlebars - $11.53 (sweet dark red, cause the red on there looks awesome already)
Cheap 700c wheels from co-op - $20? (Talk with them about the gearing to see if the range is the same, or if you want tighter range or whatever, they probably have a few sets there with somewhat different gear ranges on the rear)
Saddle from co-op - $5-10
Tubes/tires - $45 (tires, tubes)
Derailleur cables - $7 (Shimano, here)
Brake cables - $10.39 (Shimano, here)
Brake levers - $22.53 (Tektro RL340)
Brakes - $62 - (Tektro 539 rear, front)
5-speed chain - 7.98 (here)
Then I'd try to get pedals and a cheap but aluminum quill stem, handlebars, and seatpost from the co-op. Depending on where you are, you may be able to get all for $20 or less. Functional new parts suggestions: (not guaranteed to fit. These have all sorts of different diameters over the years/models, so you need to know what you have/need. Handlebars, Seatpost, stem.)
I have a set of these: https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-33617-Drop-Ends/dp/B0013G6PB8 that I would like to get rid of.
Here's my basic amazon sleuthing trying to do it for less. I suspect this is a bad idea, but I need to know why:
Bullhorns
Brakes
Aero Bars
This pair! They're just neoprene & they were 20 bucks. they're nice against the wind. sometimes i wore a pair of cotton gloves underneath. they're bulky, but for 20$, i was pretty happy!
https://www.amazon.com/ODIER-Handlebar-Cyclist-Mittens-Bar-Straight/dp/B077SY7J6F/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=pogies+bike&qid=1570733696&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTlkwV0VPRFpKRVRWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDgzMjM0MVVPNVpDV0pBTUpXQSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODczMzMyMk1YUEQ2NTU5NzdXMSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Its looking good!
To get handlebars like those, you need to fit handlebar extensions such as these :
http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Pro-Pulsion-Compe-Lite-Ends/dp/B002I7PRUQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1344795835&sr=1-2&keywords=bar+extensions
I wondered about this too when I had the same bike, but you have to realize that you will be using it a radically different purpose than the frame was intended. That isn't just fluff. The geometry is very different. As much as I liked to think so, the 7.2 is not really a flat-bar road bike. the geometry is much more upright.
Sure, you can use your corvette to haul a trailer, but that is really not what it was designed for. If you see what I mean.
Now, I personally think it would look like ass, but you can install something like these bar ends
I thought they were $100 for sure, but it seems your right. There are some though
http://www.amazon.com/Cinelli-Bullhorn-Pursuit-Bicycle-Handlebar/dp/B0084XI55W
http://www.wiggle.com/cinelli-mash-bullhorn-road-handlebar/
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR3.TRC2.A0.H0.Xmash+bullhorn.TRS0&_nkw=mash+bullhorns&_sacat=0
Hi, I'm looking at getting some flat bars as a replacement for my pure fix risers(https://www.purefixcycles.com/products/pure-fix-riser-bars?variant=352155019). I've been looking at the origin 8 stash bars because they look nice, and are relatively cheap(http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Stash-Bar-25-4-450mm/dp/B00SZ062KE).
I just need to know if the the stash bars will fit a 22.2mm brake lever, and if not, can you recommend any that will fit this.
bike shop, amazon, other online bike stores. They are very warm though! I have yet to go riding in weather that I need anything on my hands under them.
Are these the bars?
After trying heavy gloves, lobster gloves, and a variety of layering I have to say I feel stupid for not doing bar mitts style pogies sooner. Wasn't sure if I'd like them so even got some off brand ones for $23 and even those are great.
Days in the 20s have required no gloves and this morning I had to open the vents to keep my hands from getting too warm. Amazing!
These are the ones I got, haven't had them long enough to couch for durability but performance has been great so far.
ODIER Bike Handlebar Mitts Cyclist Pogies Mittens for Winter Thermal Cover for Handlebar Keep Hands Warm 1 Pair (Bar-Straight) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077SY7J6F/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_jrZ0DbQREJW3J
Bar Mitts are indispensable if you are prone to cold hands/fingers. They make variants for both flat and drop bars. I much prefer them over lobster gloves or ski gloves.
Yeah, I had to do another google search because I was confused. Here they are on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Origin-Bicycle-Drop-Ends-Black/dp/B0013G6PB8
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013G6PB8/ comes close for cheap
I agree. If he wants to try drop bar geometry on the bike he could try these and adjust/replace the stem. Maybe cut the bars after placement. Wouldn't need to invest in shifters/brakes/brifters to try the fit. Definitely cheaper way to try the geometry change.
about as cheap as you can get for new ones.
I did the perimeter (12,000 miles) of the US on Nitto Northroads. 14 months of touring. After the tour, I bought a pair of Sunlite Northroads, made of alloy, an inch more rise, and 2 inches wider. I like them alot
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/handlebars/index.html
http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Touring-North-Bicycle-Handlebar/dp/B0010VZFJO
It really depends on how much you're going to ride. There are a lot of options. Being able to change positions and sit up straight makes a lot of difference for me. I use these on my touring bike with bar end shifters.
i have a hybrid and just recently added drop bars. it cost a little over $30 and you can find all the materials off of amazon.
link for the dropbars
grip tape
thanks :D bars brakes
I've been really happy with Cinelli Volee Tape with these gel pads underneath for a little extra cushion since I do a lot of long-distance riding
Try Bar Mitts. They go on your handlebars, and create a nice little space for heat to stay while also blocking the wind. There are a few styles available depending on what type of bike you ride (MTB or road).
I did this with my mid-90's Bridgestone MB-5 Imgur. It's a great and easy project. You don't need new wheels, but get some slick tires. They'll make a big difference. You may also prefer a more upright riding position. You most easily do that with some high rising handlebars instead of the flats or get some swept back handlebars. I did the latter with my wife's bike for a more relaxed riding position. You may need new cables and cable housing if you do this because you end up moving the brake handles and shifters so much.
Also, depending on the weather you may want fenders.
Note: The pic of my bike also has the xtracycle freeradical extension for extra cargo room or taking my kids on the back. Unfortunately, these are not longer being made.
I've got extenders of various lengths like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VW7GXM4?pf_rd_p=183f5289-9dc0-416f-942e-e8f213ef368b&pf_rd_r=BV50H8J64HJJQRDJEEMR
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The large loop that goes around the handlebar is hinged and opens, so it'll, you know, go around the handlebar when you unhinge it and wrap it around. But then the bolt holes aren't aligned so it can't be fastened.
I have these and I am still not sure if I like them or not. I am fairly new to cycling and I ride about 30 miles a week. I have a bad back so I have to adjust positions (two on the handlebars and then go to these) every 5 min or so. They do ease the tension on my back and I am happy I bought them, but my speed decreases once I get on them. I've road on them for about 200 miles total and my speed does not decrease as much lately.
Also be careful if you get these. The first time I positioned myself on them I almost fell and again it happen again today but this time I was going about 18mph and it would have been a bad fall. You wouldn't think it would be that big of a difference but it is.
Finally, I had to move my gear shifters to install them on my bike and my handlebars where a bit undersized for them so I had to make them "thicker" with duct tape so they would not move all around. You could probably use bar tape and make it look nicer, but I did not have any at the time.
I tried doing this cheaply over the winter and it didn't quite work out for me.
If you're planning on keeping your trigger shifters you MUST have a 22.2mm outer diameter bullhorn or the trigger shifter will not fit on it. I bought this pair and could fit my shimano trigger shifter onto the right location but needed a shim to match the 31.8mm diameter for my head tube clamp.
The problem is that I'm not aware of any reverse brake levers that will fit the inner diameter of those bars. The ones I bought (for a different, larger internal diameter set of bars) are a millimeter or two too large. I think I can grind out enough material from the last inch of the inside of the bars to get them to fit but that was getting too far in the hacky range with the tools I had on hand so I aborted the project. I expect I'll finish it at some point either by getting a shifter (I'm on a 1x) or finishing out my hacks but I'm enjoying the weather right now.
I remember the more expensive option being to use bar end shifters either on special mount (Paul's Thumbies, IIRC) or shifters on the end with some sort of side pull reverse brake lever on the bars.
Got this less than a month ago. So far, I've put a new Riva saddle on it, Profile Design end bars, a Mirrycle bar mirror, a rear spider flasher, and a Bell F20 computer.
Since you where looking at Amazon, these two look like what you're looking for
1
2
google gave me this https://www.amazon.com/Gub-KBROTECH-Handlebar-Extender-Extension/dp/B06VW7GXM4
but if you have enough steer tube run a second stem like Sheldon brown